We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do.
He keeps us in step with each other.
His very breath and blood flow through us,
nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
(Ephesians 4:15b-16 The Message) |
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Dear ,
On Sunday the people of Bethlehem gathered for our regular February Congregation Meeting. This meeting was a significant step as together we follow Jesus' lead into the future.
God has exciting opportunities before us as a congregation. Aberdeen is anticipating 1000 new jobs, and at our meeting Bethlehem stepped forward preparing for engaging current and new people. We did this as we overwhelmingly approved the Mission Plan for 2012. In addition to continuing the vibrant ministries, the voting members approved strengthening our ministry to children and families in two key ways:
- adding a part time Christian Education Assistant to help strengthen our ministry to the 617 participants in Sunday School, Wednesday School, Confirmation, Route 67 and Adult Education (that's more than the enrollment of many area school districts!).
- adding part time Preschool Assistants to assure that two adults are regularly with the children.
Ministry with the people at Bethlehem is very important, and also important is getting people to Bethlehem to share in ministry as well as taking people beyond Bethlehem to share in ministry. Transportation is vital to connecting people with God, one another, and our mission in the world. Thus the congregation also approved purchasing an additional van to be used in addition to our current van and bus to provide transportation to worship, Table Talks, Wednesday School, Preschool field trips, mission trips, youth events and more.
Thank you, ! Your support of God's work is wonderful. I also want to thank the wonderful staff partners that God has gathered at Bethlehem as well as the gifted elected leaders and front line ministers who so generously share in this ministry. Thank you all for your faithful following as Jesus leads us into the future!
Thanks for your prayerful & generous partnership,
Pastor Jeff Whillock
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